Forget planes, trains and automobiles.
For lake lovers it’s all about boating season, which kicks off Memorial Day Weekend. The Santa Clara County Parks and Recreation Department, in turn, wants to make sure boaters have a fun and safe experience on county reservoirs.
“Equipping recreational vessels with proper safety equipment, being mindful of state boating laws, avoiding alcohol and checking weather conditions can decrease the chances of a boating accident,” states a County Parks press release sent May 9.
Each passenger must have a lifejacket on board. State law mandates that children under age 13, watercraft riders (i.e. Jet Ski, Sea-Doo), paddle-boarders and anyone being towed behind a boat must wear a lifejacket.
Boats must be equipped with flares and an emergency position indicating radio beacon with 406 MHz capabilities; a GPS unit or – at a minimum – boaters should maintain knowledge of local waters and know their position at all times; and an operational marine VHF radio (VHF channel 16 is an emergency-only channel).
Boating laws can be found in ABCs of California Boating booklet. Boaters are encouraged to check the National Weather Service broadcasts throughout the day on VHF channel WX2 and the Coast Guard broadcasts on VHF channel 22A at 9:30 a.m., noon and 4:30 p.m.
A complimentary safety inspection with a Coast Guard Auxiliary examiner can be made at www.vesselsafetycheck.org.
For more information, visit www.dbw.ca.gov or www.parkhere.org.
